Apparatus for configuring an exercising performance area

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area is described that includes a handle, a shank, a spindle, and a rotation handle. The shank is mechanically connected to the handle and holds a spindle a distance away from the handle. The spindle includes a number of spindle parts, the spindle parts forming a groove. A rotation handle is mechanically connected to the spindle, and, when turned, causes the spindle to rotate. The apparatus aids in applying floor strips to mats on an exercise performance area.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for configuring a portable performance area. Specifically, an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area, such as a cheerleading performance area, by applying and removing hook-loop floor strips to mark or connect floor mats. Velcro® is an example of a hook-loop adhesive.

BACKGROUND

Individuals performing in a variety of locations may require mobile safety equipment. For example, cheerleaders perform in sports arenas that are configured for a different activity. Gymnasts may have the same issue.

Floor mats are a common safety device. Floor mats provide padding in the event of a fall. Additionally, floor mats may provide increased uniformity of performance surface for the performance. Markings may be used on the floor mats to provide a physical location indicator for the performers.

As performance areas increase in size and are used in a variety of locations, a number of floor mats may be used to provide padding and surface over a larger area. Smaller floor mats may be more easily transported and stored. Combining small floor mats provides a desired performance area.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area is described. The apparatus includes a handle, a shank, a spindle, and a rotation handle. The handle allows a user to grip the apparatus. The shank is mechanically connected to the handle to hold the spindle a distance from the handle. The spindle is connected to the handle. The spindle includes a plurality of parts to form a groove. The rotation handle is mechanically connected to the spindle to cause the spindle to rotate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the invention briefly described above is made below by reference to specific examples. Several examples are depicted in drawings included with this application. An example is presented to illustrate, but not restrict, the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an apparatus configuring an exercise performance area.

FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second side view of an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exercise performance area configured using the apparatus.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for deconfiguring an exercise performance area.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for configuring an exercise performance area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of the claimed invention is provided below by example, with reference to examples in the appended figures. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the components and steps of the invention as described by example in the figures below could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, without departing from the substance of the claimed invention. Thus, the detailed description of the examples in the figures is merely representative of an example of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed.

A purpose of the claimed apparatuses, methods, and systems is to facilitate and enhance the placement, marking, and configuration of performance areas. Such areas provide safety and familiarity to performers, as well as predictable performance areas. For cheerleading, it also provides a visual indicators for activities, as well as indicating to participants the area of performance. Visual indicators improve the safety and presentation of performances on a performance area.

Wound, as used herein, refers to the past participle or past tense of the verb “wind.”

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term cheerleading refers to a sport involves the performance of a combination of organized cheering, chanting, gymnastics and/or dancing. Cheerleading may be done in support of a sports team.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term gymnastics refers to the performance of acts demonstrating agility, including balance, vaulting, flips, and tosses.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term mat refers to a piece of sport equipment consisting of a thick pad used on a floor or ground.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term performance area refers to an area where a cheer, dance, or gymnastic performance or routine is to be performed.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term hook-loop refers to an adhesive mechanism that may be applied to secure two or more pieces of material together.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term spindle refers to a rod or pin that serves as an axis that revolves, or on which something revolves.

As described above, an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area allows the area to be quickly and efficiently configured. The apparatus may improve the efficiency of applying hook-loop floor strips that may connect a number of floor mats into one performance area. The apparatus may enhance the time it takes to configure the performance area using a plurality of floor mats. The apparatus may enhance the time it takes to mark the performance area. The apparatus may improve takedown time of the performance area using a plurality of floor mats.

At the same time, the apparatus may reduce problems with hook-loop floor strips. By storing the strips in an organized manner, the floor strips are less likely to become tangled or knotted and may be easier to apply for future uses.

Additionally, the apparatus may provide enhanced strength in connecting a plurality of floor mats. Performance areas may require installation and configuration in a limited time, with an audience watching. Accurate, efficient, and quick configuration of a performance area using a number of floormats may improve the overall effect of the performance of the cheerleading team.

The apparatus may include a handle. The handle may be constructed out of a wire frame as part of a shank or may include a number of parts to create a handle that is pleasant or ergonomically correct for a user. The handle may include a number of plastic parts secured to a frame to make it easier to hold the apparatus. The handle may be constructed of a desired plastic color, to match a sports team. The handle may be constructed with a logo, indicating the team that uses the apparatus. The handle may include a place wherein a logo may be inserted, allowing a single manufacturer to create a number of apparatuses for a number of different teams without creating custom logos.

The apparatus may include a shank. The shank may be a rod, bar, or wire that connects the handle to a spindle. The shank may include a number of turns to center the spindle in relation to the handle to place the handle in relationship to a spindle.

The apparatus may include a spindle. The spindle may be mechanically connected to the shank and held a distance from the handle of the device. The distance is determined by the length of hook-loop floor strips that may be used.

The spindle is constructed from a plurality of spindle parts. The spindle parts form a groove where a hook-loop floor strip may have an end inserted. The groove may go completely through the spindle. The hook-loop floor strip may be inserted into a recessed portion of the spindle. The spindle may include a plurality of parts to form the groove.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates anapparatus (100) for configuring an exercise performance area. The cheerleading configuration apparatus (100) includes a handle (110), a shank (120), a spindle (130), and a rotation handle (140).

The handle (110) may be constructed of a number of parts as part of the manufacturing process. As illustrated, the handle (100) includes a first part (111) and a second part (112). The first part (111) and the second part (112) fit together around a shank (120) or wire frame. In another example, the handle (100) may be constructed as a single part that fits around the shank (120). In yet another example, the handle (100) may be formed by a plurality of parts that fit around the shank (120). In still another example, the shank (120) may form the handle (100). The handle provides a manner whereby the user may grip the device (100).

The shank (120) may form a frame or support system for the cheerleading configuration apparatus (100). The shank (120) may be constructed of a metal bar or a series of metal bars. The shank may be constructed of other material that provide support for the apparatus. The shank (120) may extend into the handle (110) to provide additional support for the handle. The shank may include a number of bends (123). The bends (123) may form the shank (120) to provide stability for the spindle (120) and rotation handle (140). The shank (120) may be formed to create a guide (150) for a hook-loop strip to attach to a performance area. The guide (150) may direct a hook-loop floor strip through the device (100).

A spindle bracket (122) may connect to the shank (120) to provide connection for the spindle (130). The spindle bracket (122) may be formed by a number of parts, connected by a variety of connection parts, such as snaps, screws, or glue. The spindle bracket (122) supports a spindle bushing (121) that allows the spindle to rotate. A spindle bushing (121) may reduce rotational friction for the spindle (130) within the spindle bracket (122). The spindle bushing (121) may be constructed of smooth material to reduce friction, or may be constructed using a number of ball bearings. The spindle busing (121) may use lubrication to reduce friction. The spindle bracket (122) and spindle bushing (121) provide a mechanism for securing the spindle (130) to the shank (120).

The spindle (130) attaches to the spindle bracket (122) and spindle bushing (121) to allow the spindle (131) to rotate. The spindle (130) may be constructed of a number of parts. As illustrated, the spindle (130) includes a first spindle part (131) and a second spindle part (132). The first spindle part (131) and the second spindle part (132) form a groove area (133-1) defining a groove (133). Groove area 133-1 may be two mm wide portion on the left side of the groove 133 and may be a two mm wide portion on the right side of the groove 133 The groove (133) receives an end to a. hook-loop floor strip. The spindle (130) may be constructed as a single part wherein a groove is formed. The spindle (130) may be constructed of a plurality of parts to form the spindle (130). As illustrated, the spindle (130) is constructed of two parts, but it may be constructed of one part, three parts, or more parts. The number of parts are illustrative in nature and serve as examples, but not restrictions, on the number of parts.

A rotation handle (140) is connected to the spindle (130). The rotation handle (140) allows a user to rotate the spindle (130) to either release the hook-loop floor strip or to draw in the hook-loop floor strip. The rotation handle (140) may be formed as a single piece with the spindle (130). The rotation handle (140) may be a number of pieces that connect to the spindle. The rotation handle (140) may include a rotation handle arm (141) to hold a rotation handle grip (142) away from the center of rotation to provide additional torque and speed and rotating the spindle (130). The rotation handle arm (141) may be constructed of material of sufficient strength to prevent breakage while rotating the spindle (130).

The rotation handle grip (142) may connect to the rotation handle arm (141) such that as the rotation handle arm (141) rotates, the rotation handle grip (142) rotates on a second axis to prevent the rotation handle grip from producing friction or resistance against a hand turning the spindle (130).

An overall example of de-configuring an exercise performance area using the cheerleading configuration apparatus (100) will now be given. A cheer leading performance area exists where a number of mats have been connected using a hook-loop floor strip.

A first end of a hook-loop floor strip is inserted through the guide (150) and inserted into the groove (133). A user then begins to rotate the spindle (130) in either direction. As the spindle (130) rotates, the hook-loop floor strip contacts the edges of the grove, creating resistance. This prevents the first end of the hook-loop floor strip from coming out of the groove (133). After a full rotation of the spindle (130) the hook-loop floor strip will come in contact with itself, further providing resistance to the hook-loop floor strip coming out of the groove (130).

As the user rotates the rotation handle grip (142), the rotation handle grip rotates around an axis so that the contact between the rotation handle grip (142) and the hand of the person rotating the rotation handle grip remains consistent.

As the spindle (130) rotates it draws the hook-loop floor strip through the guide (150). The guide regulates how the hook-loop floor strip wraps around the spindle. The user may continue to rotate the spindle (130) until the entire hook-loop floor strip has been wrapped around the spindle (130). When the hook-loop floor strip is wrapped around the spindle (130) it may be stored in a convenient, non-tangled roll for future use.

The process may be repeated to retrieve a number of hook-loop floor strips that have been used to configure a performance area.

FIG. 2 represents a top view of a cheerleading configuration apparatus (100). From this view the handle (110), shank (120), spindle (130) and rotation handle (140) are visible. The shank (120) forms a guide (150) and connects to a spindle bracketnd (122). The spindle (130) can be seen with the groove (133) exposed.

The rotation handle (140) is constructed of a rotation handle arm (141) and a rotation handle grip (142).

An overall example of unmarking an exercise performance area using the cheerleading configuration apparatus (100) will now be given. A cheer leading performance area has been marked with a number of hook-loop floor strips.

A first end of a hook-loop floor strip is inserted through the guide (150) and inserted into the groove (133). A user then begins to rotate the spindle (130) in either direction. As the spindle (130) rotates, the hook-loop floor strip contacts the edges of the grove, creating resistance. This prevents the first end of the hook-loop floor strip from coming out of the groove (133). After a full rotation of the spindle (130) the hook-loop floor strip will come in contact with itself, further providing resistance to the hook-loop floor strip coming out of the groove (130).

As the user rotates the rotation handle grip (142), the rotation handle grip rotates around an axis so that the contact between the rotation handle grip (142) and the hand of the person rotating the rotation handle grip remains consistent.

As the spindle (130) rotates it draws the hook-loop floor strip through the guide (150). The guide regulates how the hook-loop floor strip wraps around the spindle. The user may continue to rotate the spindle (130) until the entire hook-loop floor strip has been wrapped around the spindle (130). When the hook-loop floor strip is wrapped around the spindle (130) it may be stored in a convenient, non-tangled roll for future use.

The process may be repeated for a number of hook-loop floor strips.

FIG. 3 represents a bottom view of a cheerleading configuration apparatus (100). From this view the handle (110), shank (120), spindle (130) and rotation handle (140) are visible. The shank (120) forms a guide (150) and connects to a spindle bracketspindle bracket (122). The spindle (130) can be seen with the groove (133) exposed.

The handle (110) may be secured with a number of screws (113). The screws in the handle may hold a first part (111) and a second part (112) together around a bend in the shank (130). In other examples the handle may be constructed using snaps, fasteners, or adhesive. The handle may be formed of a single piece. The shank (120) may itself form the handle.

The spindle bracketspindle bracket (122) may also be secured with a screw (143). The shank busing bracket (122) may be secured using a number of other methods, including but not limited to screws, snaps, glue, pressure, or single piece formation.

The spindle (130) may be constructed of a number of parts that are connected with screws (134). The spindle (130) may be constructed using a number of other methods, including but not limited to screws, snaps, glue, pressure, or single piece formation.

FIG. 4 represents an end view of a cheerleading configuration apparatus (100). As shown, the end of the handle (110) can be seen. The shank (120) is visible. The shank (120) is connected to a spindle bracketspindle bracket (122) and a spindle bushing.

The spindle (130) is shown constructed of a first spindle part (131) and a second spindle part (132) to form a groove (133) that goes all the way through the spindle (130).

Using a cheerleading configuration apparatus (100) as illustrated in FIG. 4, a user could insert the end of a hook-loop floor strip all the way through the spindle (130), reducing the probability that the end of the hook-loop floor strip would come out of the groove (133).

FIG. 5 represents a side view of a cheerleading configuration apparatus (100). This view shows the handle (110), the shank (120), the spindle (130), and the rotation handle (140).

As illustrated, the shank (120) bends into the spindle bracketspindle bracket (122). The spindle (130) is comprised of a first part (131) and a second part (132) that form a groove (133). The rotation handle (140) includes a post (143) that forms the access for the rotation handle grip (FIG. 1, 142).

FIG. 6 represents a second side view of a cheerleading configuration apparatus (100). This view shows the handle (110), the shank (120), the spindle (130), and the rotation handle (140).

As illustrated, the rotation handle (140) includes a rotation handle arm (141) and a rotation handle grip (142). The rotation handle grip (142) group that fits over the post (FIG. 5, 143). The rotation handle grip (142) can rotate about the post (FIG. 5, 143) to prevent the rotation handle grip (142) from rotating in the hand of the user.

FIG. 7 represents an exercise performance area that has been configured using the apparatus. As illustrated, an exercise performance area (700) includes a number of mats (710). The mats (710) are put together to form the exercise performance area (700). Between each mat (710) is a seam (720). Unless secured, as there is movement on the mats (710), the mats will tend to separate from each other. Hook and loop floor strips are used to connect the mats (710). The cheerleading configuration apparatus (FIG. 1, 100) may be used to apply the hook-loop floor strips to the seams (720). The cheerleading configuration apparatus (FIG. 1, 100) may be used to remove the hook-loop floor strips.

The cheerleading configuration apparatus (FIG. 1, 100) may be used to apply hook-loop floor strips to the mats (710) to provide markings, patterns, location, or other information for those performing on the exercise performance area (700)

FIG. 8 represents a method (800) for reconfiguring an exercise performance area. The method (800) includes inserting (801) the floor strip through the guide (FIG. 1, 150), inserting (802) the floor strip through the groove (FIG. 1, 133), turning (803) the spindle (FIG. 1, 130), and removing (804) a wound floor strip from the cheerleading configuration apparatus (FIG. 1, 100).

The method (800) may include inserting (801) the hook-loop floor strip through the guide (FIG. 1, 150). A hook-loop floor strip may be a number of inches across, and is placed flatly through the guide (FIG. 1, 150) to help ensure that the hook-loop floor strip remains flat as it is wound around the spindle (FIG. 1, 130).

The method (800) may include inserting (802) a first end of a hook-loop floor strip into the groove (FIG. 1, 133), allowing the hook-loop floor strip to be wound around the spindle (FIG. 1, 130). As the spindle rotates, the hook-loop floor strip is wound around the spindle to create a spiral wound hook-loop floor strip.

The method (800) may include turning (803) the spindle using a rotation handle, causing the hook-loop floor strip to wrap around the spindle. The wrapped hook-loop floor strip creates a spiral.

The method (800) may include a user removing (804) the hook-loop floor strip that has been wound into a spiral from the apparatus (FIG. 1, 100) to allow the apparatus to be used to remove another hook-loop floor strip.

FIG. 9 represents a method for configuring an exercise performance area. The method (900) includes inserting (901). The floor strip through the guide, holding (902) the floor strip by location (902), applying (903) force to the apparatus, and releasing (904) pressure on the apparatus.

The method (900) may include inserting (901) through the guide (FIG. 1, 150), a hook-loop floor strip on an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area. The guide helps the hook-loop floor strip to wrap evenly around the spindle (FIG. 1, 130).

The method (900) includes holding an end of the hook-loop floor strip at a location on an exercise performance area, the exercise performance area including of a number of mats.

The method (900) includes applying (900) force to the apparatus (FIG. 1, 100). The force causes the spindle (FIG. 1, 130) to rotate, unwinding the hook-loop floor strip on the apparatus, and applying the hook-loop floor strip to the mats (FIG. 7, 710). The hook-loop floor strip may be applied along a seam between a number of mats (FIG. 7, 710) to secure the mats together.

The method (900) includes releasing (904) pressure from the apparatus when the floor strip is unwound.

FIG. 10 represents one example of the apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area according to the principles described herein. In this example the apparatus has a contoured handle (110), a guide (150), a shank (120), and a rotation handle (140). The rotation handle (140) is affixed to the shank using a spindle bracket (120). A hook-loop floor strip has been wound around the shank (FIG. 1, 120). Winding the hook-loop floor strip around the shank allows for the hook-loop floor strip to be neatly stored, moved, or in other ways handled without manually rolling the hook-loop floor strip or having the hook-loop floor strip becoming tangled.

FIG. 11 represents an example of the apparatus according to the principles described herein. In this example the handle (110) can be seen attached to the shank (110). The hook-loop floor strip (1060) is wound around the spindle (FIG. 1, 1130).

FIG. 12 represents another example of the apparatus according to the principles described herein. In this example, the contoured handle (110) is connected to the shank (120). The shank (120) is connected to the rotation handle (140). The hook-loop floor strip (1060) is wound around the spindle (FIG. 1, 130).

FIG. 13 represents still another example of the apparatus according to the principles described herein. In this example, the contoured handle (110) is connected to the shank (120). The shank (120) is connected to the rotation handle (140). A hook-loop floor strip (1060) is wound around the spindle (FIG. 1, 130) 

1. An apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area, the apparatus comprising: a handle; a shank, mechanically connected to the handle; a spindle, mechanically connected to the shank and held a distance from the handle, the spindle including a plurality of spindle parts, the plurality of spindle parts forming a groove area defining a groove; and, a rotation handle, the rotation handle mechanically connected to the spindle, to cause the spindle to rotate.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spindle bushing bracket, the spindle bushing bracket mechanically connected to the shank and allowing the spindle to rotate.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a spindle bushing, the spindle bushing being mechanically connected to the spindle while maintaining physical contact with the spindle bushing bracket, allowing the spindle bushing bracket to rotate the spindle.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle creates a guide, the guide providing control of a fastener.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hook-loop floor strip, wherein the hook-loop fastener fabric is wound around the spindle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the hook-loop floor strip is at least three inches wide.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the hook-loop floor strip has an inner end and an outer end.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the inner end of the hook-loop floor strip is inserted in the groove.
 9. A method for taking down an exercise performance area using an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area, the method comprising: providing the apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area, the apparatus comprising: a handle; a shank, mechanically connected to the handle; a spindle, mechanically connected to the shank and held a distance from the handle, the spindle including a plurality of spindle parts, the plurality of spindle parts forming a groove area defining a groove; and, a rotation handle, the rotation handle mechanically connected to the spindle, to cause the spindle to rotate; inserting, into the groove, a first end of a hook-loop floor strip, the hook-loop floor strip providing marking on an exercise performance area; turning the spindle using a rotation handle, the turning causing the hook-loop floor strip to wrap around the spindle;
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising inserting, through a guide, the hook-loop floor strip.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising removing, from the apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area, a wound floor strip.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the hook-loop floor strip is used to connect a plurality of floor mats.
 13. A method for configuring an exercise performance area using an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area, the method comprising: providing the apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area, the apparatus comprising: a handle; a shank, mechanically connected to the handle; a spindle, mechanically connected to the shank and held a distance from the handle, the spindle including a plurality of spindle parts, the plurality of spindle parts forming a groove area defining a groove; and, a rotation handle, the rotation handle mechanically connected to the spindle, to cause the spindle to rotate; holding, in a first location, a second end of a hook-loop floor strip; applying force to the apparatus for configuring the exercise performance area, the force causing the spindle to rotate, unwinding the hook-loop floor strip on the apparatus; releasing pressure on the apparatus when the floor strip is unwound.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising inserting, through a guide, a hook-loop floor strip on an apparatus for configuring an exercise performance area.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first location is a union of a plurality of floor mats and the hook-loop floor strip is used to connect the plurality of floor mats. 